In the fall of 2016, Sara Hillery Interior Design had the opportunity to partake in the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League’s biennial Designer House. The chosen house, a classic Georgian revival home located in historic Ginter Park, was designed by architect Courtenay S. Welton in 1929 and dubbed “Pineapple Acre”. SHID donated the time and materials for the project, which raises funds for the Richmond Symphony.

The Pineapple Acre kitchen before remodel.

SHID was tasked with transforming the kitchen, a dark, cramped, and non-descript space that didn’t reflect the owners’ playful and lively personalities. Dark wood cabinets, outdated wallpaper, and a lackluster color scheme hid the room’s potential as a gathering space for family and friends…until Sara Hillery Interior Design transformed the space.

The SHID design team did a walk-through of the space in April 2016 before completing work on their plans. Demo started in June and the entire redesign was completed by the end of August with the help of Custom Kitchens, who respectfully preserved the bones of the kitchen while modernizing its appliances. Pineapple Acre, the 17th Richmond Symphony Orchestra League’s 17th Designer House since 1984, opened on September 12th to eager and curious visitors.

The Pineapple Acre kitchen after remodel.

The finished space bares little resemblance to its former dark and gloomy life with white cabinets, walls, tiles, and ceilings that capitalize on the room’s natural light and achieve an airy, spacious atmosphere. Pops of corals, pinks, and reds create a jovial and playful vibe that is simultaneously chic, welcoming, and utterly unique. Colorful details such as a bright pink octagon on the ceiling, custom cabinetry with matching interiors and accents colors, and tassels that contrast with color of the motorized window treatments create optical intrigue and draw the eyes to the room’s many points of intrigue. From the framed Hermes scarf that features a masquerade ball to a piece by local artist Ron Johnson to a tiered display area that pays homage to the family’s collection of 1929-era receipts and a coin, the kitchen is a veritable visual feast full of conversation-worthy art and decor…and that’s even before one realizes that the geometric-print bar stools have goat legs!

The geometric designs in the room, combined with the warmth of carefully placed Eucalyptus wood elements, create a grounding effect that works beautifully amidst the room’s more spirited design components. Grey and white tiles frame the cooking zone, while a boldly colored rectangular rug contrasts with a repeating pattern of grey and white octagons and diamonds dancing unexpectedly across the floor. Bringing cheerful and vibrant details together with classic, orderly shapes and lines result in an artfully curated space that is sleek and crisp without being austere in any way.

While designing a space that feels perpetually ready for a party or gathering, SHID took into careful consideration the serious business of preparing and cooking food. To that end, the kitchen includes state of the art appliances including a brushed stainless steel hood over an expansive Wolf range as well as plenty of drawers and ample cabinetry to store supplies, cookware, and ingredients. A marble top island increases counter space and handily hides a microwave.

During the month-long Designer House showcase, hundreds of visitors were able to experience the transformed space. Now the home’s owners can look forward to many happy years cooking and entertaining in their lively, chic kitchen. Who wouldn’t want to spend all their time in this light-filled, well-equipped, and spirited space?